Tranmere withstood Leyton Orient's second-half revival to clinch a 1-0 win at Matchroom Stadium, their third on the road this season, and leave the Londoners without a victory in six matches.

A tame first half ended with Tranmere ahead following hesitant defending on the edge of Orient's penalty area which allowed midfielder Chris Shuker to curl a volley beyond goalkeeper Glenn Morris five minutes before half-time.

Tranmere's only first-half effort came from debutant Dean Morgan, who fired over the crossbar. Anthony Kay twice emerged from midfield with shots on goal for the visitors, one forcing a fine save from Morris, while defender Ryan Shotton went close with a far post header from Shuker's corner.

Orient went close to a 51st-minute equaliser when Jason Demetriou's cross deceived goalkeeper Danny Coyne, but crashed by off the far post.

Shuker's free-kick then flew over the crossbar, while Orient, employing three substitutes, kept play mainly in Rovers' half.

Simon Dawkins shot straight at Coyne, who then denied the same player with the save of the match two minutes from time.